Linga Prathistha

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AUM namah Shivaya,

 

Linga or shiv lingam Prathishtha (Installation) is done on a on a

circular or quadrangular based pedestal. The base of Linga is

provided a place to flow the water used for "Abhishek" (Bath) and

collected to distribute it as Prasad. This also accommodates the

water falling on Linga from a conical shaped vessel held above Linga.

It is believed that Linga is in the form of Trinity. The bottom of

Linga symbolizes Brahman, the middle by Vishnu and the top by Shiva.

Vedic Scriptures reveal that at the time of "Yuganta" Linga absorbs

all Deities, Brahman set off to the right side, Vishnu to the left

and Gayatri to the centre and so on.

 

Nandi, the holy bull is found facing Lord Shiva, the Lingam. As per

the Vedic verses, it is emblematic sign of "Jeevatma" waiting for the

Lord's grace to unite with him (A union of Jeevatma and paramatma)

In general the tortoise is not seen in Shiva temples. The reader may

quote the Shiva temple seen by him with Tortoise in it, in the

meanwhile references would be made to Holy books of Authority.

Linga Prathistha shall be done with various rituals, the narration of

which follows. It requires Vedic Scholars with the knowledge

of "Agama Sutra". Selection of Linga depends on the liking of the

installer. It is made of various materials as was explained in

previous mails. It may be procured from Benaras in the form

of "Salagram' (Ellipsoidal shaped)

 

The ritual of "Adhivassa" (Dwelling) shall be performed as a first

step one prior to "Prathishta". Lingam is made to dwell in twenty

items such as The Earth, Perfume, Pebbles, Paddy, Sharp bladed Grass

(Dhurva Yugma), Flowers, fruits, Cirds, Ghee, Swastika, Vermillion,

Conch, Kajjala, Gorochana, White Mustard seeds, Silver, Gold, Copper,

Lights and finally mirror. While placing Linga in these items

the "Mantras" of Maya Vija and Brahma Gayatri shall be chanted.

After reciting "Anena Amushya Adhivasa" the Top Side of Linga shall

be touched will all items as described above one after the other.

Then the Sacred Linga shall be lifted from the place of Adhivasa and

top of Linga shall be touched by Priest thrice. Then the Linga shall

be given bath with Milk, Panchamrita and other liquids as described

in Vedic Verses and finally by water.

 

Then Linga shall be given wipe with a new soft cloth with utmost

devotion. The Linga is placed on the base made for the purpose. Then

the Deity shall be worshipped, starting from "sankalpa", "Kalasa

pooja", "Shodasa Upacahra", "Rajopachara" and "Ganesha

poojaAnganyasaas", "Karanyasa" Pranayama and "Pranava" as

described in Vedic scriptures. There after Lord Shiva shall be

meditated upon. Then the sacred energy shall be invoked in to

the "Lingam" by performing "Pran Prathistha". There after Linga shall

be decorated with red flowers.

 

Linga worship shall be followed by "Devi Pooja" in the same manner as

explained above. This is followed by "Dikpalaka Pooja", and "Nandi".

All Gods and Goddesses shall be offered a mixture of Masha beans,

rice, Curd with sugar crystals added to it. Before offering these

items, they shall be kept in northeast corner and shall be purified

with "Beejakshar mantras"

The next day "Vriddhi", "Shraddha", "NandiMaha

Bala", "Kishavadana' and "Gana nayak" shall be worshipped with

devotion. Then Linga shall be given bath with eight jars of water by

chanting the "Mrityunjaya Mantra" and "Devi" worship shall follow.

After worship both "Devi" and Linga shall be carried on shoulders and

shall make three rounds around the temple in clockwise manner.

Then Linga along with "Devi" shall be taken inside and placed on the

platforms made for the purpose. Devi and Linga shall be smeared with

Sandal wood paste. They shall be worshipped with eight elements such

as "sharva", the earth, "Bhava", the water, "Rudra", the

fire, "Ugra", the wind, "Bhuna", the ether, "Pashupati", the employer

of Priest, "Mahadeva", the nectar, "Ishana", the Sun. Each of them

shall be invoked and worshipped.

 

The dedicator shall make three rounds around the temple and shall

retire for the day. The next day Linga shall be given bath of hundred

jars of water and all rituals shall follow.

The dedicator shall arrange feast to the "Kaulika Dvijas" and shall

please poor by giving food, drink and clothes. The Linga thus

installed shall never be removed from its place.

These are the rituals in brief. One should follow "Agama Sashtra" for

details.

 

Shivaya Namah AUM.